RV parks near Piscataway, New Jersey provide varied camping experiences within an hour's drive of both NYC and the Jersey Shore. This central New Jersey location sits at approximately 50 feet above sea level in the Raritan River watershed. Most campgrounds in the region operate between April and November, though several remain open year-round with modified winter services.
What to do
Kayaking on nearby lakes: Turkey Swamp Park offers multiple boating options during the summer season. "Kayaking/Canoeing, fishing, and swimming. In the summer, canoe, kayak, paddle boats, and row boats are available for rental," notes one camper who stayed at Turkey Swamp Park.
Hiking trails: Several parks feature hiking paths suitable for various skill levels. "Several short (longest one is 2.5 miles) hiking trails that are fairly well-marked but can be a bit confusing at times. Some sections of the trails were muddy due to swamps and bogs but passable," explains a visitor to Turkey Swamp Park.
Archery: Some county parks maintain archery facilities for visitors. "Plenty to do over a 2 night stay. Archery, boating, fishing, and hiking. Boat rental rates are acceptable and there are four different styles to choose from," says a camper at Turkey Swamp Park.
NYC sightseeing: Liberty Harbor RV Park provides direct access to Manhattan via public transportation. "This is a pricey park, but options are limited. As in almost non existent. This is a prime location for visiting the city or heading down the shore. The light rail is a block away, and the path train is about 8," explains one RVer.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Wooded campgrounds provide separation between camping areas. "Sites are in the woods and widely spaced apart to give you privacy and the feeling of being out in the Forrest," writes a visitor to Turkey Swamp Park.
Quiet atmosphere: Many campgrounds maintain peaceful environments despite proximity to urban areas. "Very clean and quiet. Website lists water hook ups at long distances but they have hose reels to help with that," reports a camper at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
Level sites: Flat, well-maintained campsites accommodate RVs without extensive setup requirements. "Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy. A lantern hook, picnic table, and fire ring complete each site," notes a reviewer at Turkey Swamp Park.
Transit access: Some parks offer strategic locations for public transportation. "Basicly a parking lot, but the location can't be beat. 2 ferries that run to Manhattan. Path train is a 12 minute walk away that will take you yyo manhatten," explains a Liberty Harbor RV Park visitor.
What you should know
Seasonal insect activity: Ticks can be prevalent in wooded areas, particularly in spring and early summer. "I was so excited when we got here. The sites are spacious and it's really beautiful. But by the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2," warns a camper at Turkey Swamp Park.
Price variations: Costs range significantly between parks, with location being the primary factor. "This is a pricey park, but options are limited. As in almost non existent. This is a prime location for visiting the city or heading down the shore," explains a Liberty Harbor RV Park visitor.
Sewer connection positioning: Some parks have unusual sewer hookup configurations that require special attention. "The only annoying thing was the sewer hookup is about 18 inches off the ground so you need to lift the hose when emptying the tanks to ensure it actually fully drains," notes a camper at Military Park NJ National Guard Training Center.
Site surface differences: Campgrounds vary from paved to gravel to dirt surfaces. "As mentioned, all roads and camper pads are dirt. There are some ADA sites but the only thing distinguishing them from others is their proximity to the bathroom," reports a visitor to Turkey Swamp Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks feature dedicated play areas for children. "Centralized playground for the kids with bathrooms and showers next door. Staff was awesome! Attentive and outgoing," notes a visitor to Turkey Swamp Park.
Bug prevention: Pack appropriate repellents and conduct tick checks, especially after hiking. "We went camping with our 2- and 3-year-old kids. We were worried about bugs, but we didn't even use mosquito repellent and didn't get a single bite!" shares a Turkey Swamp Park camper.
Check campground pet policies: Rules regarding pets vary significantly between rv parks near Piscataway. "Pets are NOT allowed (but they'd probably help w the geese problem)," notes a visitor to Military Park NJ National Guard Training Center, while most other parks permit pets with standard restrictions.
Nearby attractions: Many campgrounds offer access to family-friendly attractions within short driving distances. "We stayed two nights at this park because we wanted to spend a day at Six flags. Check in process was painless and the woman at the front desk was super nice and helpful," shares a visitor to Indian Rock RV Resort.
Tips from RVers
Extended hookup hoses: Water connections at some campgrounds require longer-than-standard hoses. "Our site (15) said 75' however the 50' hose reel made it to our rv connection," notes a visitor to Mahlon Dickerson Reservation.
NYC approach routes: When driving large rigs to metropolitan-area rv parks near Piscataway, New Jersey, specific routing helps avoid tolls and tight spaces. "Getting in and out of the city is an adventure. Stay right off the highway to avoid the $30 tunnel toll. Follow RV life pro and not Waze," advises a Liberty Harbor RV Park camper.
Bathroom considerations: Facilities vary widely between parks, affecting how self-contained you need to be. "Also the bathrooms don't have shelves and the showers are not very convenient. You have to come out practically naked to get your towel. And since none of the sites have sewers you have to use them," warns a Turkey Swamp Park visitor.
Site selection strategies: Choose specific sites for better experiences at certain campgrounds. "Pick one of the larger end row sites to get a little extra elbow room. If it's packed, your neighbor with be within inches of your rig," suggests a visitor to Liberty Harbor RV Park.
